The Philippines consists of 7 642 islands. If you’re still searching for the best islands to explore, I got you. Obviously, I didn’t explore all of them, so I can only tell you about the ones I went to. Each island has one main city or multiple smaller ones where all the action happens. In this article, I’ll describe each island + a brief description of activities to do on them. So, before saying too much, let’s get started:
- Cebu Island: Cebu, Moalboal & Oslob
- Siquijor Island: San Juan
- Panglao Island: Danao
How to get around these 3 islands (Cebu Island, Siquijor Island & Panglao Island)
- Palawan Island: Puerto Princesa, El Nido
- Coron Island: Coron
- Luzon Island: Manila
How to get to these 3 islands (Palawan Island, Coron Island and Luzon Island)
Cebu Island
Cebu Island is the perfect mix of historical and water activities. Most people either land in Cebu City or Manila (the capital). Cebu City was my trip’s starting point and I highly recommend this city! It’s a pretty big island, so there are 3 main cities/areas to visit: Cebu City, Moalboal and Oslob.
Cebu City: great if you want to visit churches and historical buildings like Fort San Pedro. I also volunteered in an animal rescue shelter in Cebu City and to this day, it’s one of the best things I ever did. To know more about this city, check out: 6 Of The Best Things to Do In Cebu City In The Philippines.
Moalboal: known for its snorkeling with turtles and sardines (insane) and canyoning trips. Also, it is a great spot to relax on the beach and enjoy life (not the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines however). To know more about this city, check out: 3 Of The Best Things To Do In Moalboal In The Philippines.
Oslob: I chose to not visit Oslob because this city recently became the object of immoral practices. It’s the spot to go to in the Philippines if you want to swim/watch whale sharks. However, the locals feed them all year long so that they stay there instead of migrating. That’s why I didn’t go, and don’t recommend visiting Oslob if your only intention is watching these precious animals.
Here’s the itinerary that most tourists do:
- Cebu City
- Moalboal
- Oslob
Each city is easily accessible by bus. Ask your hostel/hotel for the time of the buses. I recommend booking through your accommodation since it’s super easy, and they give you all the information you need to know. They’ll organize everything for you. It’s effortless, and so cheap compared to Canada.
Siquijor Island
Siquijor is an island in the country known for its mystic activities and “black magic”. It’s a great island to visit if you want to visit waterfalls, the Old Enchanted Balete Tree and enjoy the peaceful beaches.
San Juan is the main area where most hostels and restaurants are located. You can still visit the whole island by renting a scooter. It’s just where the action is located. To know more about this island, check out: 6 Of The Best Things To Do In Siquijor.
Panglao Island
Panglao Island is connected by a bridge to Bohol Island. To be honest, it’s not my favorite place in the Philippines. It’s a way more “industrial”, busy and tourist place.
Danao: the main area of the island. The main beach, Danao Beach, is always crowded. HOWEVER, it’s one of the best places to visit if you’re looking to party and drink a lot. I highly recommend Bad Monkey Hostel for its great nightlife. To know more about this island, check out: 4 Of The Best Things To Do On Panglao Island.
How to get around these 3 islands (Cebu Island, Siquijor Island & Panglao Island)
How to get around these 3 islands is quite easy. You don’t need to take a plane as they are all pretty close. Boats are the way to go.
- From Cebu City and Oslob, you can take a boat to Siquijor and Panglao and vice versa.
- There’s also a boat that connects Siquijor Island and Panglao Island.
- If you’re in Moalboal, you’ll need to take a bus to the nearest pier and then a boat to Siquijor.
Once again, ask your accommodation for more information. Since it can change at any moment, they’re the best option for reliable transport info!
Palawan Island
Palawan Island is my personal favorite in the Philippines. The water is absolutely crystal clear, the activities are awesome, and the people are so friendly. Honestly, if you only have time for one island, let this one be your choice!
Puerto Princesa: a must since you can visit one of the New 7 Wonders of the World: the Underground River. Also, where the biggest airport on the island is located. To know more about this city, check out: 6 Of The Best Things To Do In Puerto Princesa.
El Nido: my favorite city! So colorful and full of life. Also, where you can do the best activities: island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. No need to say that the beaches there are incredible!
Coron Island
I unfortunately didn’t have the time to visit Coron Island. But, most people visit it and I heard such good things about this place. It’s definitely a must if you have time when you’re in the Philippines.
Coron: Pretty much like El Nido. You can do the best activities there: island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, etc. The beaches are also incredible!
Luzon Island
I didn’t know the island of the capital was named this way, oops. Here’s what I have to say about Manila: only go there if your flight is arriving or departing from the capital. Spend as little time as possible in the city, as it’s the most dangerous “touristic” city in the country. I didn’t enjoy my time there, so only go if necessary.
How to get to these 3 islands (Palawan Island, Coron Island and Luzon Island)
Since they are farther away from all the other islands (especially Palawan), the best/cheapest/easiest option is to take the plane. The flights from island to island are pretty affordable since it’s the main way of moving around.
I also know there are ferries connecting Coron and Manila. However, the route is between 13 hours to 20 hours. The prices vary depending on the companies and the routes. But honestly, for the time you save and the accessibility of the transport, I recommend taking the plane. There’s an airport in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron and Manila.
